Urawa Reds RSS feedhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/urawa-reds
enAFC Champions League Review: Urawa pay the penalty as Seoul advanceSeoul and Shandong Luneng edged through to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals in dramatic fashion, as El Jaish and Al Ain joined them.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-urawa-pay-penalty-seoul-advance
Penalties were needed to separate Seoul and Urawa Red Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League last 16, with the South Korean side holding their nerve to advance to the quarter-finals.
Urawa led 1-0 after last week's first leg, but Seoul levelled the tie through Dejan Damjanovic just before the half-hour mark at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The remainder of normal time was a tense, nervy affair, but the game sprang to life in extra-time when first Adriano gave Seoul the lead, before a quickfire double from Tadanari Lee turned the tie back in Urawa's favour.
However, Go Yo-han struck in the dying moments of extra-time to force a shoot-out, and Seoul edged it 7-6.
Similar drama ensued in Sydney, where Shandong Luneng went through on away goals after drawing 2-2 at the Allianz Stadium.
Hao Junmin was the visitors' hero, with his 89th-minute equaliser on the night proving enough to send the Chinese club through courtesy of away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Brandon O'Neill put the hosts ahead after just two minutes, before Walter Montillo equalised.
Rhyan Grant put Sydney back in front, before Hao spared the blushes of team-mate Diego Tardelli, who missed a penalty with 13 minutes left, to put Shandong into the last eight.
In Wednesday's other last-16 ties, Lekhwiya put up a brave fight after losing the first leg 4-0 to El Jaish but their 4-2 win in Qatar was not enough, while Al Ain won 2-0 at Zob Ahan to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory.
news_articleWed, 25 May 2016 19:14:30 +0000Anonymous578282 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Victory, Al Hilal and Al Ain qualify with winsMelbourne Victory, Al Hilal and Al Ain claimed wins on Tuesday to progress to the AFC Champions League round of 16.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-victory-al-hilal-and-al-ain-qualify-wins
Early goals from Besart Berisha and Archie Thompson helped Melbourne Victory to a 2-1 AFC Champions League win over Gamba Osaka that saw the A-League side progress to the round of 16 at the expense of Suwon Bluewings.
Berisha opened the scoring with a 13th-minute penalty in the Group G clash at AAMI Park and Thompson turned home Kosta Barbarouses' cross three minutes later.
Ademilson scored from close range in the closing stages to set up a grandstand finish but Victory secured the win they required to pip Suwon, who defeated group winners Shanghai SIPG 3-0 as Kim Gunhee bagged a brace.
Both teams finished level on nine points but Victory's away goal in the 1-1 draw in Korea proved decisive, prolonging the Victory career of retiring veteran and fan favourite Thompson.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Al Hilal secured a 2-1 win at Tractorsazi Tabriz to secure their passage from Group C alongside their hosts, with Brazilian striker Ailton coming off the bench to score the decisive goal.
It meant Pakhator's 3-0 win over Al Jazira in Tashkent was in vain, with the Uzbek club finishing one point shy of second.
Urawa Reds could only draw 1-1 with Pohang Steelers, meaning they missed out on the opportunity to top Group H ahead of Sydney FC – 1-0 losers to departing champions Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.
Zlatan Ljubijankic netted a penalty three minutes from time after Pohang's Lazar Veselinovic did likewise, while Gao Lin's early volley was enough for Guangzhou to bow out with a consolation victory.
Al Ain's 2-0 win over Nasaf in Group D saw them through as runners-up ahead of Al Ahli, who beat group winners El Jaish by the same scoreline.
news_articleTue, 03 May 2016 19:43:07 +0000Anonymous568126 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Teixeira inspires Jiangsu, Sydney draw sends holders outAlex Teixeira helped Jiangsu Suning to keep their AFC Champions League campaign alive, but holders Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao are out.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-teixeira-inspires-jiangsu-sydney-draw-sends-holders-out
Alex Teixeira inspired Jiangsu Suning to a vital 3-0 win over Binh Duong to keep their AFC Champions League campaign alive, as holders Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao bowed out on Wednesday.
The Brazilian, who moved from Shakhtar Donetsk in a €50million deal in February, had a hand in all three goals as Dan Petrescu's side climbed into second in Group E. Jeonbuk Motors of Korea remain top after their 3-0 win over Tokyo, who drop to third.
Seoul secured top spot in Group F thanks to a 2-1 win over Buriram United, while Diego Tardelli's solitary strike against Sanfrecce Hiroshima means Shandong Luneng will progress with the Koreans.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC and Urawa Reds played out a 0-0 draw at the top of Group H, a result that means Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao exit the competition despite their win over Pohang Steelers on Tuesday.
In Group A, Lokomotiv remain a point above Al Nasr after their 1-1 draw, but Al Ittihad's 4-0 win over bottom-side Sepahan - in which there were three goals in the final eight minutes - means qualification for the next round will go down to matchday six.
Zob Ahan are safely through to the next phase, however, after a 3-0 win over Al Nassr in Group B guaranteed they will finish top. Lekhwiya are second after a 2-0 win over Bunyodkor.
news_articleWed, 20 Apr 2016 20:09:53 +0000Anonymous562416 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Guangzhou beaten again, Al Ahli in troubleGuangzhou Evergrande Taobao lost to Urawa Reds and Al Nassr were beaten 4-0 in the latest round of AFC Champions League matches.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-guangzhou-beaten-again-al-ahli-trouble
Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao's hopes of defending the AFC Champions League are hanging by a thread after the latest round of group games on Tuesday.
Sydney remain top of Group H thanks to a 1-0 win over Pohang Steelers, but the holders' campaign remains in serious danger of coming to an early end after they were beaten 1-0 by Urawa Reds in Saitama, leaving them bottom of the pool after four games.
Al Nassr lost their place at the top of Group B thanks to a 4-0 thrashing by Lekhwiya, while Zob Ahan's 5-2 win over Bunyodkor saw them move three points clear in first.
El Jaish stay top of Group D despite losing their perfect record following a 0-0 draw away to Nasaf, while Al Ain move into second thanks to their 2-1 win away to Al Ahli.
In Group F, Seoul remain three points clear of Shandong Luneng after their 0-0 stalemate in Korea, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima now a point behind in third thanks to a 2-0 victory away to Buriram United.
news_articleTue, 05 Apr 2016 22:32:26 +0000Anonymous555581 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Adriano sinks Shandong, Guangzhou stay bottomA double in Seoul's win over Shandong Luneng saw Adriano take his tally for the AFC Champions League campaign to nine.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-adriano-sinks-shandong-guangzhou-stay-bottom
Adriano scored twice as Seoul took a three-point lead at the top of AFC Champions League Group F with a 4-1 win away at Shandong Luneng, while Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao remain bottom of Group H after throwing away a two-goal lead against Urawa Reds.
Adriano put Seoul ahead at the Jinan Olympic Sports Centre Stadium when his volley squirmed beyond Wang Dalei, but Jucilei's header restored parity in the second half.
However, three goals in the space of six minutes saw Seoul surge to victory and take control of the group in the process, Adriano tapping home his ninth of the campaign after excellent finishes from Dejan Damjanovic and Ko Yo-han.
Defending champions Guangzhou's search for a first win continues after they drew 2-2 with Urawa, despite Ricardo Goulart scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes.
An error from Guangzhou goalkeeper Zeng Cheng enabled Yuki Muto to pull one back from the visitors, who earned a draw with one minute of normal time remaining when substitute Shinzo Koroki fired home.
Kohei Shimizu's fine finish capped Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 3-0 win over Buriram United at the Edion Stadium, leaving the Thai side bottom of Group F and without a point.
Sydney moved to the top of Group H with Chris Naumoff's first-half strike proving the difference in a 1-0 triumph over Pohang Steelers at Steelyard Stadium.
An excellent free-kick from Omar Abdulrahman earned Al Ain their first win of the competition, beating Al Ahil 1-0 at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Bunyodkor and Zob Ahan played out a goalless draw, while El Jaish beat Nasaf 1-0 and Al Nassr drew 1-1 with Lekhwiya.
news_articleWed, 16 Mar 2016 19:49:25 +0000Anonymous546024 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Sydney see off holders Guangzhou Taobao EvergrandeGuangzhou Evergrande Taobao are bottom of AFC Champions League Group H following a 2-1 loss to Sydney.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-sydney-see-holders-guangzhou-taobao-evergrande
Holders Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao are still without a win in the AFC Champions League after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sydney on Wednesday.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's men - fresh off having beaten Jiangsu Suning 2-0 in the Chinese Super Cup - followed up in their 0-0 draw with Pohang Steelers in the opening game of the title defence with another disappointing result in the Group H encounter at Allianz Stadium.
Robert Stambolziev met Shane Smeltz's header with a volley into the bottom-right corner to open the scoring after 17 minutes before Ricardo Goulart saw a tame penalty saved at the other end five minutes later after Sebastian Ryall had brought down Paulinho.
Huang Bowen atoned for Goulart's miss in the 25th minute by finishing off a well-worked attacking move. However, Sydney sealed the points two minutes from time as Milos Dimitrijevic's shot proved too hot for Zeng Cheng to handle.
The other game in Group H saw Pohang go top with a 1-0 win over Urawa Reds, Son Jun-ho's 20th-minute penalty settling the clash despite the midfielder later being sent off.
Goals from Elkeson and Wu Lei helped Sven-Goran Eriksson's Shanghai SIPG to a 2-1 win over Suwon Bluewings, while Gamba Osaka drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory.
In Group D, Nasaf beat Al Ahli 2-1 and 2003 champions Al Ain were defeated by the same scoreline by El Jaish, whose victory made it two wins from two for the Qatari side.
Tractor Sazi also have six points to their name at the top of Group C following a 1-0 triumph at Al Jazira and Al Hilal eased to a 4-1 win over Pakhtakor thanks in part to a double from Khalid Al Kabi.
news_articleWed, 02 Mar 2016 20:02:30 +0000Anonymous539281 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Review: Holders Western Sydney out due to last-gasp Seoul winnerWestern Sydney Wanderers went out of the AFC Champions League when a last-gasp Seoul goal put them through to the last 16.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-review-holders-western-sydney-out-due-last-gasp-seoul-winner
Reigning champions Western Sydney Wanderers crashed out of the AFC Champions League in dramatic fashion when a late strike from Mauricio Molina ensured Seoul beat Kashima Antlers 3-2 to progress from Group H.
Wanderers needed to win at group winners Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday and hope the game between Seoul and the Antlers ended in a draw in order to stay in the competition.
The A-League side kept their side of the bargain, securing a 2-0 victory at the Tianhe Stadium courtesy of Marc Bridge's first-half goal and a fine stoppage-time strike from Tomi Juric.
Their exploits were in vain, though, as news filtered through that substitute Molina had grabbed a winner in time added on at the Kashima Soccer Stadium to put his side through at the expense of Tony Popovic's men.
Shuhei Akasaki had put the Antlers in front after only eight minutes, but Lee Woong-hee levelled before half-time and a Gen Shoji own-goal early in the second half gave Seoul the lead for the first time.
The home side knew a win would secure their qualification and they were back on level terms courtesy of a Gaku Shibasaki goal 11 minutes from time, which ensured the Wanderers were set to progress having been bottom of the group ahead of the last round of group games.
There was a final twist, though, as the experienced Molina made himself a hero by snatching victory to put the K.League side through to the last 16.
Beijing Guoan and Suwon Bluewings qualified from Group G after playing out a 1-1 draw.
Brisbane Roar still harboured hopes of going through at the expense of either Guoan or the Bluewings, but a draw in Suwon ensured the visitors topped the group and Seo Jung-won's men finished as runners-up.
As it turned out, Brisbane, who were eliminated from the A-League finals last Friday, suffered a 2-1 home defeat as goals from Shinzo Koroki and Yuko Muto gave the Urawa Reds their only group victory.news_articleTue, 05 May 2015 13:53:20 +0000Anonymous384649 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Wrap: Holders on brinkHolders Western Sydney Wanderersare on the brink of elimination from the AFC Champions League following Tuesdays 2-1 home loss to Kashima Antlers.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-holders-brink
The A-League side took the lead in the 24th minute through Nikita Rukavytsya, but Shoma Doi levelled on the hour mark for Kashima before Mu Kanazaki's 92nd-minute winner settled the game.
That defeat, coupled with Seoul's draw with Guangzhou Evergrande, leaves Western Sydney bottom of Group H with five points, one adrift of Seoul and Kashima, who meet in the final matchday next month.
Western Sydney will need a draw in that game and a victory over group winners Guangzhou in order to progress.
Al Hilal, last year's runners-up,are through from Group Cfollowing a 2-1 win over Lokomotiv Tashkent, with Al Sadd also qualifying for the last 16 alongside them courtesy of a 1-0 winagainst Foolad.
Nasaf remain very much in contention for a place in the knockout stages thanks to Artur Geworkyan's brace that gave them a 2-1 victory at Group D rivals Tractor Sazi.
Late goals from Ko Cha-won and Kaio gave Suwon Bluewings a 2-1 success away from home against Urawa Reds that sends them top of Group G courtesy of Beijing Guoan's 1-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar.
Suwon and Beijing are level on 10 points - three points ahead of Brisbane - and will qualify with a draw in their final group encounter in South Korea.
news_articleTue, 21 Apr 2015 18:43:14 +0000Anonymous378564 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League: Guangzhou eye progressGuangzhou Evergrande can seal a spot in the AFC Champions League knockout stages with a win in South Korea on Tuesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-guangzhou-eye-progress
The Chinese Super League heavyweights are top of Group H ahead of their trip to Seoul, who sit second.
After three straight matches without a win in all competitions, Evergrande bounced back with a 6-1 thrashing of Liaoning Whowin and 1-0 victory over Hangzhou.
Brazilian Ricardo Goulart has made a good start to his career in China.
The former Cruzeiro man and one-time international has netted six Champions League goals -two more than the next best, Xu Yang (Shandong Luneng).
Also in Group H, defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers need a win when they host Kashima Antlers.
The Wanderers are third but level on five points with Seoul, and the A-League side will be hopeful Evergrande (nine points) can win in South Korea.
Group E's two unbeaten teams do battle on Wednesday, when Jeonbuk Motors head to Japan to take on Kashiwa Reysol.
Shandong Luneng host Binh Duong in the group's other game.
Group C could become even tighter on Tuesday.
Top side Al Sadd host bottom Foolad, but just four points separates the two teams, while Al Hilal visit Lokomotiv.
Locked on seven points in Group F, Buriram United and Seongnam do battle on Wednesday.
Guangzhou RF and Gamba Osaka will do battle in China.
Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli meet United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli in Group D, which also has Nasaf facing Tractor Sazi.
Group G leaders Beijing Guoan host Brisbane Roar, while Suwon Bluewings travel to Urawa Reds.
Naft Tehran host Pakhtakor in Group B, while Al Shabab are searching for their first win when they host Al Ain.
In Group A, Iranian outfit Persepolis can advance with a win at Lekhwiya, while struggling Bunyodkor host Al Nassr.
news_articleSun, 19 Apr 2015 01:18:23 +0000Anonymous377399 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Wrap: Al Hilal go topNasser Al-Shamrani become the leading all-time scorer in the AFC Champions League on his return from suspension asAl Hilal beat Foolad 2-0 to go top of Group C.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-al-hilal-go-top
TheAFC Player of the Year has not featured in the Champions League since being banned for eight matches for headbutting and spitting atWestern Sydney Wanderers defenderMatthew Spiranovic in the final last November.
Al-Shamrani made up for lost time on Wednesday, though, opening the scoring in the first minute of the second half to take his tally in the competition to 26 - having previously been level withDong-Gook Lee.
Yasir Al Shahrani added a second goal for the Saudi Premier League outfit aslast year's runners-up leapfroggedAl Sadd on goal difference with two group games remaining.
Lokomotiv made amends for their thrashing atAl Sadd last month by dishing out a 5-0 hammering to theQatari outfitto enhance their chances of qualifying for the last 16.
The Uzbekistan side lost 6-2in Doha last month, but gained revenge on Wednesday asAl Sadd lost for the first time in Group C. Theyare now just three points ahead ofLokomotiv.
MaratBikmaev's double putVadim Abramov's men in control at the break, andfurther goals fromSanjarShaakhmedov, DamirKojasevic and RuslanKoryan rubbed saltinto the 2011 champions' wounds.
There was a goal-fest in the Group E encounter atJinan Olympic Sports Centre, whereChina's Shandong Luneng and JapaneseoutfitKashiwa Reysol drew 4-4.
Reysol led 3-1 just after the half-hour mark after Wang Yongpo had given the home side an early lead, butJunior Urso and Walter Montillo struck to make it 3-3 at the break.
Yang Xu's penalty putCuca's side in front for the second time, but a howler from goalkeeperWang Daleien enabledCristiano to salvage a point with his second goal of the game to ensureKashiwa sit second - still four points better off than their opponents.
Jeonbuk Motors remain top of the group on goal difference, butAbass Cheikh Dieng's stoppage-time strike salvaged a 1-1 draw forBinh Duong.
Group G leaders Beijing Guoan missed the chance to secure their passage into the last 16 when they were held to a 1-1 draw atUrawa Reds, whilesecond-placedSuwon Bluewings moved three points clear of Brisbane Roar after toppling theA-League side 3-1.
Persepolis hold a two-point lead at the top of Group A after beatingAl Nassr 1-0, withLekhwiya up to second following their victory overBunyodkor by the same scoreline.
news_articleWed, 08 Apr 2015 21:24:25 +0000Anonymous372639 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League: Gamba eyeing successThey may have opened their AFC Champions League campaign with consecutive defeats but Gamba Osakas Takashi Usami is still dreaming of leading the side to a second title.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-gamba-eyeing-success
Gamba sit bottom of Group F and are the only team in the group without a point and without a goal after two matchdays heading into Wednesday's showdown against leaders Buriram United of Thailand.
Buriram are two from two so far as they prepare to travel to Osaka Expo '70 Stadium in Suita, while Seongnam and Guangzhou RF have both collected three points to date.
However, Usami has not given up hope of helping Gamba add to their 2008 Champions League triumph.
"I want to become Asian champions," the 22-year-old told FIFA.com.
"We are an attack-minded side. Our strengths lie in our aspiration for success and aggressive mentality."
Guangzhou RF welcome Seongnam to China on Tuesday.
Persepolis, Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou Evergrande are all bidding to preserve their perfect records in the competition midweek.
Iranian outfit Persepolis top Group A thanks to clean-sheet wins over Bunyodkor and Lekhwiya headingto Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Bunyodkor and Qataris Lekhwiya - level on one point apiece - clash in Uzbekistan on the same day.
Group G leaders and Chinese giants Guoan are yet to concede a goal and sit atop the standings as they prepare to entertain winless Urawa Reds of Japan.
Guoan have claimed successive 1-0 victories against Suwon Bluewings and Brisbane Roar, who host the Korean club on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
Chinese powerhouse Evergrande - led by the Champions League's top goalscorer Ricardo Goulart with four goals in two games - face cellar-dwelling Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.
Goulart bagged a hat-trick against defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia on matchday three.
The Wanderers travel to Korea for their match against Seoul on Wednesday, with both teams sharing three points each.
In Group E, leaders Kashiwa Reysol host Shandong Luneng on Tuesday, while Jeonbuk Motors tackle Binh Duong.
The remaining fixtures on Tuesday all come from Group C, with Al Sadd playing Lokomotiv and Al Hilal travelling to Foolad.
Group B leaders Pakhtakor will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches when they host Al Ain on Wednesday.
Naft Tehran and Al Shabab are also in action on the same day.
Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli, who lead Group D, go head-to-head with Tractor Sazi, while United Arab Emirates namesake Al Ahli entertain Nasaf.
news_articleSun, 15 Mar 2015 04:40:52 +0000Anonymous360792 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Wrap: Zeng suffers injuryA head injury to Zeng Cheng caused concern in Guangzhou Evergrandes 3-2 AFC Champions League win at holders Western Sydney Wanderers.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-zeng-suffers-injury
The Group H encounter at the Pirtek Stadium was eagerly anticipated given the fixture pitted the past two champions against one another, but the game ended in concern for Zeng,who received lengthy treatment after colliding with team-mate Kim Young-gwon.
Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou, the 2013 victors,took the lead through close-season signing Ricardo Goulart's deflected effort in the 19th minute.
The hosts drew level in the 57th minute when Iacopo La Rocca headed home from a corner, only for Goulart to restore the lead a minute later with a near-post finish.
Goulart seemingly ended the contest when he added a third with a cool finish, although the Wanderersthought they had found a way back into the game when Matthew Spiranovic had a header ruled out for offside.
Zeng's injury then brought a delay of 13 minutes as the goalkeeper was taken from the field on a stretcher. An additional 17 minutes was added on, in which time RomeoCastelenreduced the arrears for the Australian side, but it was not enough to prevent Guangzhou making it two wins from two.
After the game Guangzhou coach Fabio Cannavaro provided a positive update on Zeng when he said: "He has to go to hospital and see what the injury is, but we think he is going to be okay."
Elsewhere in Group H, Seoul got off the mark with a 1-0 victory over Kashima Antlers, while in Group G Beijing Guoan and Brisbane Roar picked up 1-0 wins against Suwon Bluewings and Urawa Reds respectively.
In Group C, Mehrdad Jamaati scored the equaliser for Foolad in their 1-1 draw at Lokomotiv,andAl Sadd earned their first win of the tournament in a 1-0 success over Al Hilal.
Tractor Sazi got up and running with a 1-0 victory over Al Ahli of United Arab Emirates.
Butthere was better news for Group D's other Al Ahli side - the Saudi club defeated Nasaf 2-1.
news_articleWed, 04 Mar 2015 19:38:07 +0000Anonymous355098 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League: Al Ain enhanced by duoAl Ain are set to be a much more dangerous proposition when they travel to Naft Tehran on Tuesday than they were against Al Shabab on matchday one.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-al-ain-enhanced-duo
With star striker Asamoah Gyan having ended a six-game scoring drought for club and country in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Sunday, and Omar Abdulrahman back in action following a hamstring injury, Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic should be much more confident.
Al Ain started the 2015 AFC Champions League (ACL) with a scoreless draw at home against Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab last week but the 2014 semi-finalists should produce an improved performance in Iran on Tuesday.
The United Arab Emirates-based club defeated Al Fujairah 3-0 over the weekend to claim top spot in the AGL with Gyan scoring twice and playmaker Abdulrahman coming off the bench at half-time for his first appearance since February 4.
"We can take a lot of positives forward from this game," Dalic said, according to the Asian Football Confederation's website.
"It was our first win in three games after losing to Fujairah andthe draw against Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia in the ACL.
"We didn't concede a goal in the last two matches, and with this result we go on top of the league table. It was good to see Gyan scoring again and Omar back in action."
Naft Tehran lost 2-1 away to Pakhtakor in Group B action last week.
The team that ended Al Ain's continental campaign last season - Al Hilal - will visit Al Sadd on Wednesday hoping to continue their unbeaten record against the Qataris.
The 2014 runners-up from Saudi Arabia have faced Al Sadd six times in the ACL, winning three matches and drawing the rest.
Al Hilal top Group C after a 3-1 victory over Lokomotiv Tashkent, while Al Sadd drew 0-0 away to Foolad in Iran last week.
Reigning champions Western Sydney Wanderers will renew hostilities with Guangzhou Evergrande in Group H.
In the quarter-finals last year, the Wanderers defeated Evergrande on the away-goals rule, with the first leg in Sydney including an ugly brawl, with the visitors' former coach Marcello Lippi running on the pitch to confront the referee after two of his players were sent off.
Shandong Luneng and Jeonbuk Motors will start matchday two on Tuesday, while Binh Duong will visit Kashiwa Reysol and Seongnam take on Gamba Osaka.
Guangzhou RF host Buriram United, Bunyodkor will entertain Persepolis and Lekhwiya face Al Nasr.
On Wednesday, Lokomotiv take on Foolad, Brisbane Roar will travel to Urawa Red Diamonds and FC Seoul line up against Kashima Antlers.
Beijing Guoan meet Suwon Bluewings, Tractor Sazi clash with Al Ahli of UAE and Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli host Nasaf.
news_articleMon, 02 Mar 2015 03:49:13 +0000Anonymous353453 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League Wrap: Win for WanderersDefending champions Western Sydney Wanderers made a winning start in theAFC Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-win-wanderers
Nearly four months after their triumphover Al Hilal in last season's final, the Wanderers securedup an impressive victory in Japan thanks to two goals in the final five minutes.
After a goalless first half the Australian side took the lead thanks to a Gen Shoji own goal, but Kashima thought they had secured a point afterShoma Doi's leveller.
However, Yojiro Takahagi and Mark Bridge struck in the last five minutes to sealvictory for Tony Popovic's side in a dramatic finish to their opening Group H opener.
They are joined on three points in the four-team group by Fabio Cannavaro's Guangzhou Evergrande afterthe Chinese champions beating Seoul 1-0 thanks to Ricardo Goulart's first-half strike.
Al Hilal began their quest for a third continental title with a comfortable 3-1 win over Lokomotiv Tashkent, the Saudi Arabian team top Group C after Foolad and Al Sadd drew 0-0 in Iran.
A last minute strike from Shao Jiayi gave Beijing Guoan a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar, the visitors not letting Erton Fejzullahu's 28th minute red card stop them claiming anaway win.
Suwon Bluewings top Group Gon goals scored after coming from behind to beat Urawa Reds 2-1, Leo Itaperuna netting with three minutes remaining to snatch victory.
There was a six-goal thriller in Group D as Al Ahli of United Arab Emirates salvaged a 3-3 draw with namesakes Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in Dubai courtesy ofIIsmaeel Al Hammadi's late strike.
The hosts found themselves chasing the game after goalkeeper Majed Naser gifted the visitors two goals, however Al Hammadi rescued a point after his captain Luis Jimenez was sent off.
Nasaf made an encouraging start to their second appearance in the competition with a 2-1 victory over Tractor Sazi.
news_articleWed, 25 Feb 2015 20:40:10 +0000Anonymous350783 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAFC Champions League: Wanderers start in JapanWestern Sydney Wanderers want to improve the A-Leagues standing in Asia even more as they look to defend their AFC Champions League title.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wanderers-start-japan
Wanderers defeated Al Hilal 1-0 on aggregate in November to become the first Australian club to become Asian champions, and Tony Popovic's side return to the competition in Group H, which also includes Kashima Antlers, Guangzhou Evergrande and FC Seoul.
Western Sydney's first test is away to the Antlers on Wednesday and, although the Wanderers have been struggling on the domestic front to sit bottom of the A-League, Popovic cannot wait to test his team on the continental stage.
Evergrande will host Seoul in the other Group H match.
"We go to a fantastic tournament now to defend our title. We'll go to Kashima and try to repeat that," he said after the Wanderers' 2-1 loss at Adelaide United on Saturday.
"We look forward to Japan, look forward to trying to do ourselves proud and trying to do the A-League proud again.
"We're embracing that challenge. We're proud to be in the ACL."
Western Sydney have only claimed one victory in 16 matches in the 2014-15 A-League campaign and are 13 points behind sixth-placed Brisbane Roar, who occupy the last of the competition's finals berths.
But they will hope a return to Asia might inspired a late-season recovery in the A-League, while with the J.League season yet to begin, Kashima could lack match sharpness.
Western Sydney claimed 10 clean sheets in 15 ACL matches in 2014, and Popovic is likely to focus on defence again this year.
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal will begin their campaign against Lokomotiv in Group C on Wednesday, while Al Sadd will visit Foolad of Iran.
The group stage of the 2015 ACL will begin on Tuesday with Jeonbuk Motors taking on Kashiwa Reysol, while Gamba Osaka will face Guangzhou RF.
Buriram United host Seongnam, Naft Tehran visit Pakhtakor, Persepolis face Lekhwiya, Al Ain take on Al Shabab and Al Nassr clash with Bunyodkor, while Binh Duong will welcome Shandong Luneng to Vietnam.
The V.League club have not played in the ACL since 2008.
"[We're] extremely excited, we've been dealt a very difficult group but the entire club is remaining positive," Binh Duong defender David Vrankovic told Football Channel Asia.
"The [ACL]is a great opportunity for clubs to shine. The Wanderers had an unbelievable campaign last year and now they're recognised all around the world."
On Wednesday, Brisbane Roar host Beijing Guoan, Nasaf clash with Tractor Sazi, Urawa Red Diamonds travel to Suwon Bluewings and Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli face namesakes Al Ahli of United Arab Emirates.
news_articleMon, 23 Feb 2015 04:32:18 +0000Anonymous349214 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com